/uses

A list of stuff I use. Themes: simplicity, stuff that gets the job done, DIY modifications, ergonomics, and silence.

Programming

Hardware

• Computer: an old i5 (3470?).

  • Fan: Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro
  • PSU: EVGA 550 G3
  • Mouse: Microsoft Wheel Mouse Optical
  • Keyboard: Logitech K120

Chair

RH Logic (picked up for £5 on FB marketplace – someone didn’t know what they were looking at and neither did I at the time, but it’s the best chair I’ve had by a large margin.)

I don’t know what the fuss is about with Herman Millers.

I’ve also tried standing and a Muvman stool, but they didn’t last.

Software

• OS: Linux Mint (Mate edition)
• Editor: Edita, and (reluctantly) VS Code if I need it
• Browser: Brave

Clothes

Shoes

Saucony Peregrines with the front sliced with a Stanley to give the toes more room. Also did some work at the back to stop the heel digging into my achilles tendon, so these look a mess, but they’re reasonably comfortable. I still think we should be allowed to go barefoot.

I’ve also tried Tarasoles sandals, both custom and off the shelf, but sandals aren’t good for me. Too much messing around.

I’m optimising for toe splay, impact reduction, and being able to run without stressing my calves. I think this means modified low-drop trainers are the best trade-off for now: proper minimalist shoes are too harsh. (I’m not sure why having a thin cushioned sole is more jarring than no sole at all, but that seems to be the way it is.)

Transport

I looked into recumbent bikes a while back and they seem like a good idea if they were a bit cheaper.

Bikes in general are only a good idea on paper though: as soon as you actually have one you realise that the only thing stopping your car from being stolen all the time is how heavy it is, and bikes have to be light.

Also, I take a principled stance on pollution, but not in the way you might expect: I’m not gonna be the one breathing in everyone else’s brakes and tyres just to make a point.

Car

I currently own a 1996 Mercedes 124 (E280), but I’m not driving it at the moment because of an NVH issue. If I had infinite money I’d probably be wafting around in a 140.